Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly Coloration and Size

The Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus) is a beautiful, common butterfly, yellow with black stripes. It is similar to the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, distinguished by location. Another western species that is quite similar is the Pale Swallowtail.

The wingspan is in the 2 1/4" - 3 7/8" range. Life span is about 6-14 days.

Distribution and Habitat

The Western Swallowtail is often seen in meadows, woodland edges, streamsides and suburban gardens in the Western United States and the southern areas of British Columbia.

It can also frequently seen puddling at mud spots in large numbers.

Nectar and Host Plants Used by the Western Tiger Swallowtail

The Western Tiger Swallowtail utilizes a large variety of host plants, mostly trees, including Cottonwood, aspens, poplars, alders, ashes, and willows.

Western Tiger Swallowtail Life Cycle Stages and Times

Stage	Typical Duration
Egg stage	4 to 10 days
Caterpillar (larval) stage	3 to 4 weeks
Chrysalis (pupal) stage	10 to 20 days
Adult butterfly stage	6 to 14 days

 

Photos of Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies

Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly (dorsal view)

Photo by and courtesy of Alan Schmierer

Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly (ventral view)

Photo by and courtesy of Alan Schmierer

Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

Photo by and courtesy of Alan Schmierer

Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

Photo by and courtesy of Ranger Robb Hannawacker

Check out these popular butterfly items at our Amazon Store
Kaufman Field Guide to Butterflies of North America	The Life Cycles of Butterflies	Peterson First Guide to Butterflies and Moths of North America
Outdoor Butterfly Hanging Flag	Butterfly Habitat Cage	Butterfly Sterling Silver Pendant
About These Products The Butterflies at Home website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Amazon offers a commission on products sold through their affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you. Orders are processed by and shipped via Amazon.

Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies, Pemberton, British Columbia (May 2018)

Butterflies At Home Staff Photo